The color is buildable, and it had good color payoff; you won’t have to pack it on if you have a deeper complexion. Because it is a medium color, it won’t look too dramatic on lighter skin tones even if used heavily. It had a soft, finely-milled texture that was easy to blend and diffuse on the skin. I used MAC’s 116 brush to apply to cheeks, and it had a lovely natural look–didn’t look too dry or the like, even though it has a matte finish. There’s no powderiness, so it tends to “melt” into the skin once applied. I wore the original that came out previously earlier this week, and it wore for eight hours with very minor fading around the edges. I’ll be testing the latest iteration for wear today. If there are any discrepancies, I’ll be sure to update.

Keep in mind, online retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Bloomingdale’s will also launch the collection online. These retailers typically launch close in time to the in-store release date (October 4th).

The texture was soft but a little stiff. It had decent color payoff, though I did need to build up the color to get it to show up on my coloring (about NC30, for reference). What was nicest about the blush was its finish; it gave just a glimmer of sheen and glow, but it didn’t emphasize pores or look frosted. The finish was natural and lovely. I wore this yesterday after swatching, and it managed to last seven hours without fading but after another half hour, it looked faded around the edges.

Keep in mind, online retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Bloomingdale’s will also launch the collection online. These retailers typically launch close in time to the in-store release date (October 4th).

Best Suited for Pale Beauties

MAC Forever Marilyn Beauty Powder ($28.00 for 0.35 oz.) is described as a “sheer pale peach highlighter.” It’s a very light pink-tinged peach. In the pan, it looked rather peachy, but when swatched on my arm as well as applied to my cheek, it looked a bit pink. MAC Play It proper is similar but pinker in the pan. MAC Lightscapade is lighter, yellowy. MAC Light Sunshine is more shimmery. The color is as described; it’s sheer, though somewhat buildable.

The texture of this is soft, but it is chalky and a little powdery. On my medium skin tone (about NC30), it looked ashy and ghostly. I think this is a shade that is going to work best on those with paler, lighter complexions. Lightly dusted, it can work as a finishing powder or very subtle highlighter. I’m not keen on the overall chalkiness coupled with the powderiness, but I think it will be less noticeable on lighter complexions. When I tested the wear of this, it lasted six hours before starting to fade. It’s packaged in a glossy black compact with Marilyn Monroe’s image on the front, and it is not a sticker, thankfully! There is a mirror inside.

Keep in mind, online retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Bloomingdale’s will also launch the collection online. These retailers typically launch close in time to the in-store release date (October 4th).

MAC Lipsticks are vanilla-scented but taste-free. The matte shades in this launch are like the more recent matte launches–creamy, smooth, easy to apply, and opaque. They have a subtle sheen that wears away after an hour or so and results in a true matte finish. I haven’t had the time yet to test all of these shades, but I plan to do so today and tomorrow and will update with wear times. Shades like Charmed, I’m Sure and Deeply Adored tend to wear six hours or so, and they have a tendency to stain as well. Pure Zen was slightly drying, which is typical of my experience with the Cremesheen finish. Scarlet Ibis was neither drying nor hydrating. Love Goddess was just a bit hydrating for a few hours.

Keep in mind, online retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Bloomingdale’s will also launch the collection online. These retailers typically launch close in time to the in-store release date (October 4th).